LBSCFI conducts webinar “Addressing the COVID-19 INFODEMIC: Straight from the Experts” - University of the Philippines Open University

LBSCFI's "Addressing the COVID-19 Infodemic: Straight from the Experts" (Photo from LBSCFI)

The Los Baños Science Community Foundation, Inc. (LBSCFI) and its member agencies conducted a webinar entitled “Addressing the COVID-19 INFODEMIC: Straight from the Experts” on 30 March 2021 via Facebook Live stream in celebration of its 37th year founding anniversary. LBSCFI President and Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), Dr. Melinda dela Pena Bandalaria gave the opening message. The webinar featured Dr. Maria Rosario S. Vergeire,OIC-Undersecretary for the Public Health Services Team and Official Department of Health (DOH) Spokesperson, , and Hon. Mark Lester B. Dizon, Los Baños Councilor and Committee on Health Chairperson.

Hon. Dizon discussed the current situation of Los Baños citing the latest confirmed COVID-19 cases, protocols and ordinances implemented. He also mentioned the available testing centers and isolation facilities, contact tracing with the Los Baños-exclusive LAB ID QR code, support and referral regarding transportation and facilities, and vaccination operations.

Dr. Vergeire, on the other hand, discussed the nationwide cases of COVID-19, increased testing capacity, temporary treatment and monitoring facilities, national health care utilization rate, strategic plans for the vaccination which includes scientific evaluation and vaccine selection, access and acquisition, procurement and financing, shipment and storage, and distribution and deployment. Dr. Vergeire also discussed the prioritization in the distribution of vaccines and the establishment of the national Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) committee who will closely study adverse events following immunization, intensification of vaccine communications, vaccine benefits and effects, and individual roles in fighting COVID-19.

The discussion was then followed by an open forum where questions actively posted by participants on the LBSCFI Facebook Page were answered by the speakers.

UPOU BAMS Student, Keizer Ancajas, bags 2nd Place in LBSCFI's Spoken Word Poetry Contest. (Photo from Los Baños Science Community Foundation, Inc.)

The event was also the venue for the announcement of the winners of the Spoken Word Poetry contest held by the LBSCFI. Keizer Ancajas, a student of UPOU’s Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) and student assistant of the Office of Public Affairs (OPA), was awarded 2nd place with his winning original piece entitled “Salamin.” The First Place was awarded to Marie Joy Zuraek piece entitled “Aking Kaibigan” from DOST PCARRD, and Juri Nazareth Ochotorena from UPLB in Third Place for his piece entitled “Now and Before.”

“Addressing the COVID-19 INFODEMIC: Straight from the Experts” was organized by the Information Committee of LBSCFI. Ms. Marla Cambay and Ms. Adreana Santos-Remo were the program’s masters of ceremonies. The program is available online and may still be viewed on this link.

Sustainable Development Goals

Written by Gian Macatangay and Anna Cañas-Llamas

Edited by Joane V. Serrano

Photos from LBSCFI Facebook Page

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UP Open University (UPOU)

2 days ago

The 7th AAWS Congress concluded with a closing ceremony. Dr. Sylvia Estrada Claudio, AAWS Council Member, wrapped up the event with a thoughtfully articulated synthesis highlighting the key insights and important points, reflections and challenges from the sessions.An awarding ceremony was also held to recognize outstanding contributions presented during the congress, and named the Best Exhibit, Best Poster, and Best Paper. The Best Community Fair Showcase was awarded to LATCH Los Baños.The Best Poster was given to Loise Anne C. Aquino, Destiny SM. Lutero, Vannessa E. San Juan, Francesca Isabel N. De Vera, Rea Divina C. Mero, and Ellaine Rose A. Beronio for the study entitled "Assessing Gender Mainstreaming at UPLB: The Case of the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics (IMSP);” The Best Paper (First Place) was given to Irish Joy G. Deocampo and Maritess D. Cruz with the study entitled “You Should Always Be Safe Here: Applying Feminist Care in Reimagining 2 Communication Against Gender-Based Violence in Higher Education;”The Best Paper (2nd Place) to Alice C. Prieto-Carolino with the study entitled “Filipino Women Polychaete Fishers’ Lives from the Lens of Feminist Political Ecology;”The Best Paper (3rd Place) was given to Renalyn C. Figueroa for the study entitled “From Womb To Tomb: The Intersectionality of Women in Jessica Hagedorn’s ‘Dogeaters;”And Best Paper Finalist to Princess Sheryn A. Mamucao for her study “Bangsamoro Women’s Roles in Conflict Resolution in the Bangsamoro Region (BARMM).”Asst. Prof. Maria Lourdes Jarabe, Director of the UPOU Office of Gender Concerns, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the conference as a testament to the community’s commitment to advancing gender studies. She highlighted how the event fostered collaboration, knowledge exchange, and solidarity among participants, serving as a meaningful conclusion to the 7th AAWS Congress.#AAWSCongress2025 #EmpowerSustainDemocratize #AsianWomenInFocus #SDG5GenderEquality #UPOU #7thAAWSCongress2025 #AAWS #UPOU #FMDS #OGC #EmpowerSustainDemocratize #AsianFeminisms #WomenLeadChange #SDG4 #SDG5 #SDG16 #SDG17 ... See MoreSee Less

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